Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) hydroboost

[DSpringstead]

Does anyone know when Dodge starting installing the Hydroboost feature on our trucks. And exactly how does it differ? Is this something I should consider installing myself?

 

[ewcmr2]

1997. Power steering pump provides power to brake booster instead of vacuum.

 

[Extreme1]

It's a bolt on deal. Check eBay for complete kits. I've had real good luck with the seller redlinar. He sells those kits all the time.

 

[Gene Heck]

I agree with what Extreme1 said. But you spelled his name wrong. It's Redlinear. I've bought stuff off of him quite a few times and has been as advertised.



Gene

 

[ewcmr2]

Why would one want to change from vacuum to hydro?

 

[DieselDoghouse]

Used on Chebys in years past as well, hydraulic-assisted braking in our diesels seems much stouter and dependable that auxiliary generated vacuum assist (remember we do not have an unlimited engine vacuum like gassers). We became effectively an open-center hydraulic system (like a tractor) pressure from the

1. P/S pump is delivered to/thru the hydroboost

1a. if used it is returned to the pump reservoir

1b. if NOT used it is passed thru to the steering gear

2. at the steering gear:

2a. if used it is returned to the pump reservoir

2b. if NOT used it is passed internally to be returned to pump teservoir (end of line).



My only modification on my '98 was to add a frame rail cooler (like the '97's OEM) to help chill the fluid.

 

[GAmes]

My only modification on my '98 was to add a frame rail cooler (like the '97's OEM) to help chill the fluid.

What frame rail cooler If I have one it is well hidden.

 

[SMorneau]

It is a fairly easy conversion and if you get a unit from the junk yard from a 2nd gen in the wrecking yard it will bolt right in. I got almost everything from a donor or from RockAuto. It is an excellent upgrade over the vacuum booster. Adapting the existing brake lines is the hard part. If you plunder a donor you can get the combination valve which may help. Oreilly autoparts had the adaptors I needed to plumb my lines into the combination valve.

 

[DieselDoghouse]

GAmes - I might be wrong on the year but the early trucks had em - I see'd em. Can get a rail cooler from aftermarket such as Keystone distributor - usu made by thermo-cool or equiv.